In the United States, record numbers of victims are dying in a variety of different types of fatal accidents including car accidents but increasingly because of falls. The National Safety Council reports that 136,000 victims died accidentally in 2014 which is the highest number of fatal accident victims there has ever been. The number of fatal accident victims has increased by over 15 percent compared to 10 years ago and has increased by over 4 percent from 2013.
During 2014, car accidents resulted in 35,398 deaths. Though the number of car accident fatalities has declined, each victim represents the loss of life and a devastating loss for families. Driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding and other behaviors continue to contribute to fatal car accidents. Distracted driving also continues to be an increasing problem. Distracted driving can be an underreported problem and there is currently minimal distracted driving data to fully understand its impact on the roadways.
Unfortunately, information concerning distraction at the time of a car accident not always readily available and clear but it is important to avoid distraction while driving. Whenever victims and their families have been harmed in a fatal accident by a negligent driver, distracted or otherwise, it is useful to determine how the accident was caused. Negligent drivers may be liable to victims and their loved ones for the damages they have suffered through a wrongful death or personal injury claim for damages.
Surviving family members may be able to recover damages for the financial and emotional losses from the driver responsible for causing a fatal car accident which claimed the life of a loved one. It is important for victims and family members of fatal accidents to be aware of the different legal options that may be available to them when they have wrongfully suffered harm.
Source: Delaware Public Media, “More Than Ever, Americans Are Dying By Accident,” David Schaper, June 11, 2016
